Halloween weekend provides plenty of treats for comedy fans, but there are a few tricks as well. Many clubs are altering their normal showtimes or eliminating some shows altogether. Make sure you check their websites or call the box office before you show up. Going to a venue and finding out you missed the show is like trick-or-treating at someone's house and getting a toothbrush.
Here are the nicest treats for this week:
Theaters and Special Events
Last Comic Standing at The Capitol Theatre. It makes sense that a popular stand-up comedy show would eventually make the rounds by hitting stages around the country. This performance, based on the revived stand-up competition, features finalists from the most recent season. That should include some of the season's heavy-hitters, such as Nikki Carr, Lachlan Patterson, and the last comic standing, Rod Man. Showtime is Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Info: atthecap.com or 727-791-7400.
Comedy Clubs
Big Jay Oakerson at Tampa Improv. Oakerson looks like someone who might drive strippers around for a living. And guess what? That's exactly what he used to do. But a few minutes into his set, it's clear he's where he should be now — on a comedy stage. Expect wild tales of a rock 'n' roll lifestyle from someone who has lived it and found a way to make it accessible and funny. Showtimes are Thursday at 8 p.m. Friday at 9 p.m. and 11:15 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.
Humorousness with Myke Herlihy and Kevin White at Tampa Improv. Florida comedians Herlihy and White take the stage in Tampa for one night, mixing in stand-up comedy with a little bit of Herlihy's illusions. Showtime is Wednesday at 8 p.m.
Frankie Paul at Side Splitters. Paul looks and sounds like a stand-up comedian. That's a good thing, considering his chosen profession. But his material lives up to the part as well, with plenty of premises, an animated personality and enough stories to keep audiences entertained throughout the weekend. Showtimes are Thursday at 8:30 p.m., Friday at 8:30 p.m., Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. Info: sidesplitterscomedy.com or 813-960-1197.
Gemini at Snappers Grill & Comedy Club. Gemini is an illusionist, a ventriloquist and a stand-up comedian. Audiences will get plenty of all three talents from the veteran performer this weekend. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. 36657 U.S. 19 N., Palm Harbor. Info: snappersgrill.com or 727-938-2027.
Kevin Deady at 2 Palms. Local comedian Deady entertains with his stand-up for one night only. This venue is where he performs most often, so it's the best place to catch his comedy. Showtime is Saturday at 8:30 p.m. 2950 Gulf To Bay Blvd., Clearwater. Info: tampabaycomedy.com or 727-741-8014.
One-nighters and Independent Shows
G. David Howard at Sporty's On The Beach. Howard has decades of comedy experience, impeccable timing and more material than he'll need to keep audiences laughing. Not even Halloween could keep him from his normal slate of shows at Sporty's. Showtime is Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. 17093 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach. Info: 727-596-6725.
This article appears in Oct 23-29, 2014.